Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
A gentle, body-first approach to calming the nervous system and building connection
If you often feel on edge, disconnected, or highly sensitive to your surroundings, it’s not a matter of willpower. It’s your nervous system doing its best to protect you.
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive listening therapy designed to help regulate the nervous system, reduce feelings of threat, and support emotional connection. Grounded in Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, SSP is a way to signal safety to your body so that healing can begin.
Why your nervous system matters
Your autonomic nervous system (ANS) is always asking one essential question:
“Am I safe?”
When your system has been shaped by chronic stress or trauma, the answer often feels like “no”, even when nothing dangerous is happening. This can show up as:
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Trouble concentrating or staying present
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Feeling easily overwhelmed, jumpy, or irritable
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Disrupted sleep
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Difficulty connecting with others
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A sense of “shutting down” or zoning out
In these states, your ear muscles shift to tune out human voice, the sound of safety, and instead pick up background noise. This makes social engagement, learning, and even therapy more difficult.
How SSP helps
SSP uses filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve, your body’s calming pathway, and train your auditory system to focus on speech frequencies. Over time, this can:
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Support a greater sense of calm
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Increase emotional regulation
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Improve your ability to connect with others
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Create more openness to healing in other therapies
You’ll listen to the music at home, through headphones, while engaging in a relaxing activity like coloring, stretching, or simply resting. You won’t be alone, I will check in with you regularly via telehealth to help you adjust volume, take breaks, and move at a pace that feels right.
Who can benefit from SSP
SSP has been shown to benefit both children and adults navigating:
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Auditory sensitivity
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Chronic anxiety
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Social or separation anxiety
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PTSD or trauma
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Depression
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Sleep issues
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Learning or focus difficulties
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Irritability, anger, or acting out
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Relationship challenges
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Self-medicating behaviors (e.g., food, shopping, gambling)
When SSP may not be the right fit
Because SSP creates shifts in the nervous system, it may not be appropriate if you're currently:
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Living in an unsafe home or workplace
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Going through acute life upheaval
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Managing untreated trauma or a history of dissociation
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Actively self-harming or using substances to cope
Not sure if it’s a fit? Let’s talk. We’ll gather information and give you personalized guidance before moving forward.
What to expect
SSP isn’t a cure-all but it can be a powerful reset.
Some people experience a shift right away. Others notice gradual changes over weeks or months. Most find that pairing SSP with other therapies like EMDR, OT, or talk therapy makes those modalities easier to engage with and more effective over time.
You don’t have to stay in survival mode!
Your body is capable of change!
With the right support, your nervous system can learn to feel safe again.
When your body feels safe, connection and healing become possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is SSP a type of talk therapy?
No. SSP is a listening therapy. You won’t be expected to talk or process verbally during the experience. The focus is on supporting your nervous system through sound, with a trained therapist available to guide and support you.
Q: Is it safe for kids?
Yes. SSP was originally developed for children and has been used widely with kids who are neurodivergent, anxious, or sensitive to sound.
Q: Can I do SSP on my own?
SSP is designed to be therapist-guided. While you’ll listen to the music at home, your therapist will monitor your progress, adjust the plan as needed, and support you if any strong feelings arise.
Q: Will I notice results right away?
Some people do. Others experience more gradual change. Many find that they’re better able to engage in other therapies or relationships after completing SSP.
Q: How long does it take?
The full protocol typically takes 10-20 hours of listening, delivered in short sessions across multiple days or weeks. Some clients have had up to 3 sessions in one week. I tailor the pace based on your needs.
Q: Is this covered by insurance?
No, unfortunately, SSP is not covered by insurance.
Q: What is the cost?
SSP sessions are 45 minutes long and include time to settle in with a grounding activity, listen to the music, and check in together afterward.
The initial intake session is $150. Ongoing sessions are $75 each.
Because SSP works best with consistency, I ask for a signed commitment to a minimum of 10 hours. This can be paid up front or session by session, whatever works best for you.
Located in Southwest Missouri
Virtual therapy throughout
MO, MA, IL, NV, AZ